Calgary, a city with deep agricultural roots, is set to become a hub for agricultural innovation with the launch of AgSphere. This new initiative aims to tackle global food and energy challenges by connecting Western Canada’s agricultural experience with Calgary’s burgeoning innovation ecosystem.
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas emphasized the city’s agricultural legacy and its role in driving innovation today. “Calgary and Alberta have deep roots in agriculture, and that legacy continues to drive innovation today. As we experience a growing population, AgSphere will help innovators and entrepreneurs continue tackling global food and energy challenges with creative ‘made-in-Calgary’ solutions,” he said.
AgSphere is being developed with support from several founding partners, including AdFarm, the Calgary Stampede, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology, and OCIF. These partners believe AgSphere will enhance farmers’ operations and grow the sector by creating opportunities for training, education, and collaboration.
Temporarily located at Stampede Park, AgSphere will feature an innovation and education centre, event spaces, a national producer network, and a career platform. The initiative is expected to support 75 companies and train about 450 people over five years, including students and professionals looking to build new skills. This is particularly crucial as Canada’s agriculture sector is projected to face a workforce shortage of over 100,000 workers by 2030.
AgSphere’s focus on best practices, new technology development, and strong partnerships aligns with Calgary’s broader innovation strategy. This strategy aims to make Calgary a leading destination for innovation across sectors, contributing thousands of jobs and billions in economic growth by 2034.
By improving collaboration, developing talent, and supporting innovation, AgSphere is poised to strengthen Canada’s agriculture sector and support long-term national competitiveness. The hub’s emphasis on training and education will help address the impending workforce shortage, ensuring that the sector remains robust and innovative.
As Calgary continues to grow its strengths in energy, research, talent, and technology, AgSphere will play a pivotal role in addressing rising population needs and global food security. The initiative underscores Calgary’s commitment to leveraging its agricultural heritage to drive forward-thinking solutions for the future.